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A call for help from the community...page 4C. Custom homebuilder has his son by his side...page 5C. Bringing an old house in Mathews Building a home for the butterflies...9C. up to modern standards...C6.

2020 SUMMER HOME IMPROVEMENTS

GET Inspired! Section C Thursday, July 2, 2020

New Point Lighthouse is the ultimate renovation project

BY SHERRY HAMILTON that President Thomas Jeffer- George Avgeros, co-owner son commissioned the build- of First Class Contracting of ing of the lighthouse. It was Richmond, said he is excited completed in 1804, during the about the project his com- third year of his presidency. pany was awarded to restore “It’s the third-oldest surviv- - ing lighthouse in the bay, and house. the 10th oldest in the United “In our lifetime, this is the States,” he said. last lighthouse that needs But time and weather take restoring,” he said. “I don’t a toll, and Avgeros showed think this job exists anywhere where the sandstone on the else. They move them, they southeast side of the light- paint them, but they don’t do house has become deeply pit- all this.” ted. He said those areas have By “all this,” Avgeros means been so badly damaged by restoration of the exterior waves crashing against the sandstone that makes up the island’s surrounding wall of structure, removal of the cu- riprap during storms that the pola and replacement of all damaged blocks will have to metal parts, replacement of be ground down and levelled the door and all the windows, to create an even surface and repairs to the gallery cat- so that four-inch sandstone walk and lantern room. There blocks can be installed. The will also be foundation re- sandstone will come from pairs, the installation of solar Vermont, he said, because a panels and associated electri- quarry there has the closest cal work, remediation of as- match to the original sand- bestos and lead, waterproof- stone, which came from the ing of the whole structure, same Northern quar- and finally, installing signage ry that furnished sandstone so visitors know the story of for the White House and oth- the 200-year-old lighthouse. er federal buildings in Wash- “This is American his- ington, D.C. tory,” said Avgeros. “We’re “Brick, concrete, noth- the youngest country. We’ve ing else would stand that learned from everybody strong,” said Avgeros of the else’s mistakes, from every sandstone. “It’s been dam- other civilization. It’s fasci- aged, but think about how nating.” much time it took. This is the Walking around the light- best you can use, so you pro- house island last Friday tect it, repair it, and restore it morning, Avgeros pointed out SHERRY HAMILTON / GAZETTE-JOURNAL New Point Comfort Lighthouse was built during the term of President Thomas Jefferson. Now owned by Mathews County, it is about to undergo an extensive renovation SEE LIGHTHOUSE RENOVATION, PAGE 2C in hopes of preserving it for future generations.

Y M C K 2C GLOUCESTER-MATHEWS GAZETTE-JOURNAL THURSDAY JULY 2, 2020

SHERRY HAMILTON / GAZETTE-JOURNAL First Class Contracting of Richmond will be working on the restoration of New Point Comfort Lighthouse. Here, co-owner George Avgeros, left, is shown with two members of his team—Mathews resident Gary Bunch, who is serving as marine coordinator, and First Class human resources manager Chuck Widgeon.

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Chris Wilkins (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1C) CALL TODAY! Celebrant & Ordained Minister when you need to.” (757) 814-1675 Avgeros said that the 757-898-9200 or 866-532-3482 [email protected] structure’s windows will be replaced with brand-new fi- www.starlinggutters.com LLC berglass windows that will Financing Available • Licensed and Insured be better able to handle the Marriages · Wedding Blessings · Renewal of Vows · Elopements elements and more difficult House Blessings · Business Blessings · Anointings to damage by the occasional

License PROUD MEMBER OF THE vandal that visits the light- VIRGINIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE #2705086954 Business Leadership for Virginia’s Future Baptisms · Dedications · Memorial Services · Pet Memorials house only to try to destroy 2009-2018 WINNER it. The last time it was vandal- www.blesseddaysva.com ized, said Gary Bunch, marine BUILDING OR REMODELING? coordinator for the project, the heavy metal grate cover- BUILDINGIS IT TIME OR TO REMODELING?REPLACE YOUR ing an equally heavy metal WINDOWS, DOORS OR DECK? door were both broken into, IS IT TIME TO REPLACE YOUR and the door was removed. OUR DOORS ARE OPEN, WINDOWS,WE CAN DOORS HELP!! OR DECK? Then the vandals kicked out We Represent the BEST Names in the Business all of the windows. and we can’t wait to see you! forWE all your CAN building materialHELP!! needs!! A request for a design We Represent the BEST Names in the Business change suggested by Bunch, for all your building material needs!! who is a Mathews resident and owner of Marine Contracting, DECKING WINDOWS & DOORS • Azek PVC • Jeld-Wen • Windsor is now under consideration • Wolf PVC • M&W PlyGem • Therma Tru by architects, engineers and • Treated Wood VDOT, said Avgeros. The sug- • Windows & Doors • Custom Millwork Shop gested change involves instal- Replacement Specialists Columns • Mantels • Mouldings lation of a “Bilco door” such • Engineered Floors • High Grade Lumber as the ones installed to pro- In-house Design Treated & Decking vide outside access to base- • Quality Prehung Doors • Architectural Features Any Size or Style Colonial Reproductions ments. Bunch explained that the material from nests that os- CUSTOM BUILDER preys build on top of the SHOWROOM & lighthouse often falls into a CYLINDER FILL STATION CUSTOMSUPPLY COMPANY BUILDER drain in front of the door of SUPPLY COMPANY the lighthouse and causes 845-A S. CHURCH LN. #2155 flooding inside the structure, TAPPAHANNOCK, VA which can undermine it fur- ther. The drain was installed CALL US TODAY! when the small patch of land $ around the lighthouse was 1 per gallon 20# Cylinder Fill 757-229-5150 built up and riprap installed –Exclusively for the Quality Conscious to keep the tiny island, which Williamsburg was once nearly three acres, HOURS: MONDAY -FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM www.custombuildersupply.com SEE LIGHTHOUSE RENOVATION, PAGE 3C (804) 250-2007 I www.HoltzmanCorp.com

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Y M C K THURSDAY JULY 2, 2020 GLOUCESTER-MATHEWS GAZETTE-JOURNAL 3C

SHERRY HAMILTON / GAZETTE-JOURNAL First Class Contracting, the contractor for the New Point Comfort Lighthouse reno- vation project, has asked for a change to the plans that would involve installing a “Bilco door” on the walls adjacent to the steps leading to the door of the light- house in order to keep debris from osprey nests from filling the drain and causing flooding inside the structure. A Bilco door is a double metal door of the type that is often used for exterior access to basements.

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SHERRY HAMILTON / GAZETTE-JOURNAL A S H B E R R Y Damaged windows and rubble inside testify to vandalism carried out at the light- house. I’m the to the home of your dreams! SHERRY HAMILTON / GAZETTE-JOURNAL George Avgeros, co-owner of First Class Contracting of Richmond, points out the damage to the sandstone on the exterior wall of New Point Comfort Lighthouse. He said the damaged areas will be grated to even them out, and four-inch sand- stone blocks will be installed. LIGHTHOUSE RENOVATION Joshua D Junker, Agent PO Box 2155 GLOUCESTERMATHEWS 6728 Sutton Road, Gloucester, Virginia 23061-2155 Bus 804-693-9141 (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2C) with makes a difference.” Fax 804-693-9040 First Class Contracting has www.joshuajunker.net from being completely erod- established an office in down- ed away. town Mathews. To see about [email protected] Once a decision is made a job interview, call corporate See us on 24 Hour Good Neighbor Service® on the design change, said headquarters at 804-322-2010. Avgeros, work can begin. Avgeros said his company has worked on a number of historic structures across Facebook Virginia, including the Ly- ceum Museum in Arlington, Lynnhaven House in Virginia Beach, and Washington Hall at the College of William BROWN’S and Mary. He said a number of the structures, including WELL DRILLING Washington Hall, have been associated with Thomas Jef- We believe the customer comes first! 804-642-4879 ferson, to the point that he and his brother and company • RESIDENTIAL WELLS • IRRIGATION WELLS co-owner, Tim, consider Jef- ferson “our guy.” Real Estate Title, Escrow and Settlement Services • HEAT PUMP WELLS “I’ve made a living follow- • PUMP: INSTALLATION-SALES & SERVICE ing Jefferson’s life,” he said. • LICENSED & INSURED “When we found out he com- Family owned missioned the lighthouse, we FINANCING AVAILABLE & operated since 1918 said, ‘we’ve gotta get this. Offering professional assistance FREE ESTIMATE He’s our guy.’” Although he didn’t think throughout your real estate transactions much about history growing www.brownswelldrilling.com up, Avgeros said that it has 7307 Martin Street, Gloucester 804-210-1354 ACHILLES, VA come to mean a lot more to We meet you as customers and close with you as family! him as an adult. www.theclosingshopllc.com “We don’t need a lighthouse now,” he said. “But think about how many people it kept from drowning, how Adams Flooring LLC many sailors used it. It’s not the building. It’s the memo- The Name You Can Stand On ries. We’re fortunate to be in Virginia, where we have a lot • Hardwood of history.” Refinishing Avgeros said he’s also ex- • Prefinished cited to be back in Mathews, Wide Plank where his company did a The Perfect Touch of Glass school roofing project a num- • Ivt. ber of years ago. “This is a beautiful place,” he said. “We’ve been all over, and we’re blessed to have found it. There are great peo- ple here.” • Sales Avgeros said he’s hoping • Installation to hire local people to do the work on the lighthouse. If • Free he finds qualified people, he PREMIER SERIES SLIDING & SWINGING SHOWER DOORS Estimates said, the company will take Our Premier Series adds a touch of Reversible header and glass rails allow a them along when the project contemporary styling, coupled with different look with a minimum of effort. S FLOOR is completed. ADAM ING our high standards for quality in The highly polished round header and Finding Bunch to work on the project “was God’s will,” product and performance. the beveled rails give the ultimate said Avgeros. in a contemporary look. Gloucester, VA “We came together, and the thought process was there,” Call Our Shower Door 757-880-2871 he said. “The team you’re The Name You Can Stand On Specialists Directly [email protected] at 757-867-8585 Today!

Y M C K 4C GLOUCESTER-MATHEWS GAZETTE-JOURNAL THURSDAY JULY 2, 2020

TYLER BASS / GAZETTE-JOURNAL Gloucester-Mathews Habitat for Humanity raises much of its funding from the ReStore located in White Marsh Shopping Center. Its doors had to close in the early weeks of COVID-19 and the organization said it is badly in need of support Hard times for Habitat for Humanity; public support asked

BY TYLER BASS the organization is still feeling the organization is doing all it the effects. can to hold on until January of COVID-19 caused the world Board member Mike Da- next year, but is worried they to stand still, and Gloucester vis said the store was down it may not make it. was no exception. In March $12,000 in May alone. Each Habitat asks that people many businesses and orga- year it needs to make $60,000 donate what they can to the nizations closed their doors. to cover the cost of overhead. ReStore, and buy what they Included was the Habitat for “This a plea to the commu- can. People can buy a wide Humanity for Gloucester- nity,” said Davis. assortment of items from the Mathews. Habitat for Humanity of ReStore, from toys to floor The nonprofit builds and re- Gloucester-Mathews is asking tiles. The nonprofit has also pairs houses for those in need. for support from the commu- started a GoFundMe campaign It also operates the ReStore— nities that it has been sup- that has a set target of $35,000. a thrift store that provides a porting since 1998. For more A link can be found on the or- resource to those looking for than 20 years it has helped ganization’s Facebook page. business supplies, with pro- those who can’t afford to help ceeds directly supporting the themselves. Davis said that nonprofit—located in White the look of thanks on the faces An extra Pad Marsh Shopping Center. of those they help is special Habitat for Humanity closed and makes the work worth it. Storage the ReStore and put all events The organization is also suf- at Peace Frogs and projects on hold because fering from a lack of fundrais- of the coronavirus. The full ing. According to Executive TYLER BASS / GAZETTE-JOURNAL stop they experienced has Director Teresa Dalton, Habi- MONSTER ReStore is open Tuesday through Saturday. now put them in dire straits. tat had booked every Satur- Storage Units! After reopening on May 15, day of the year with a fund- raising event before COVID-19 45x20 with 14 brought things to a halt. foot rollup door. “Our hearts and souls are TILE, LUXURY VINYL FLOORING, CARPET, HARDWOOD Licensed & Insured 20 Years Experience in this” said Dalton, who’s Perfect to store an RV, been with the nonprofit for Boat or work on a project. 22 years. Though part of a In addition, we have Basta’s Floor Covering, Inc. larger organization, the Habi- climate control and tat for Humanity of Glouces- Ace is the place for your Spring non-climate control, We are a family owned company that was founded by Scott Clean-Up

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Y M C K THURSDAY JULY 2, 2020 GLOUCESTER-MATHEWS GAZETTE-JOURNAL 5C

MELANY SLAUGHTER / GAZETTE-JOURNAL MELANY SLAUGHER / GAZETTE-JOURNAL Bridges Contracting is currently working on a custom home on Baileys Wharf Road in Gloucester. The house is located in a flood zone which Tabb Bridges, left, has been in the contracting business for over 40 years and owns Bridges Contracting, required 35’ tall pilings to raise the house. Inc., and his son, Chad Bridges, will take over the business when Bridges is ready to retire.

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BY MELANY SLAUGHTER One home, located on Baileys Wharf ready to start building. He then began Mowing • Weedeating Road in Gloucester, is in a flood zone and his business with Paul Bauer and were in Gutter Cleaning Tabb Bridges, owner of Bridges that has presented its own challenges. business together as Bauer and Bridges Contracting, Inc., has been in the Bridges Contracting had to use 35’ tall Contracting for 28 years until Bauer Brush Removal • Landscaping contracting business for over 40 years pilings to raise the house. retired several years ago. and constructs custom homes locally. “I have a lot of good subcontractors When Bridges is ready to retire, he said Locally Owned and Operated Bridges is a Gloucester native and that make my job easier,” said Bridges. that his son, Chad Bridges, will be able to Contact Donovan Cook for Free Estimate builds most of his custom homes in Bridges also mentioned that he buys take over. Gloucester. He also has work in Mathews the bulk of his material from W.T. Fary “I’ve enjoyed being my own boss,” said 804-384-2344 and Middlesex and occasionally in Brothers Building Materials in Gloucester Bridges about his career. Williamsburg. and that they have been great people to He said that one of the best parts of Currently, Bridges is working on five work with and they have great customer the job has been the people he has met TG Home Services custom homes. “The virus has not service. through building homes. He said that Locally owned & operated slowed us down a bit,” said Bridges. Bridges began working for a contractor they “have turned into great and long- “We’ve been working every day.” when he was in college and knew he was lasting friendships.” HOME REPAIRS TG Home Services Offers ATEC Experienced Professionals to help with Lawnmower and Small Engine Repair A Local Business You Can Trust any of your home projects. Doug Walker • 757-788-6473 Special Orders • Professional Service Call Today for a free in-home estimate! Riding Mower Stihl Thomas Cook 434-233-7771 Push Mower Echo Generators John Deere COLE SUPPLY Chainsaws MTD 804-725-7000 Pressure Washers Murray Fax 725-7878 Hrs: Mon., Tues Blowers Craftsman Emergency Supplies call 725-7322 Thurs. & Fri. 8-4 Wed. & Sat. 8-12 Trimmers Toro 72 Pine Hall Rd., Mathews Let Your Pets & Kids Run Free in Your Yard... Tillers Cub Cadet O.J. Cole Jr., proprietor Fall in love with your yard again... And more... Master Certified Technician Be Mosquito-Free! 25 Years' Experience!!! Pickup and Delivery

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BY SHERRY HAMILTON of sliding glass doors have parlor off the kitchen, replace The Chesapeake has been opened up the living room, a set of sliding glass doors calling William Matheny back and a large deck is taking there, and install a wood- his whole life. A Powhatan shape outside. There’s new stove to create a cozy retreat. native, he grew up spend- drywall in the kitchen as well “This is so dynamic,” he said ing weekends and summers as in a sweeping third-floor of the space. on Fishing Bay in Deltaville, room destined to become a The kitchen itself is going where his parents kept their play space for his six-year-old to be modernized, with an in- boat, and when he bought his daughter Olivia, and the one dustrial look, he said. He’s go- own boat two years ago, he bathroom in the house thus ing to use the old-fashioned docked it at Morningstar Ma- far has a new shower and toi- carpentry skills he picked rinas on Milford Haven. Ever let. up as a youth working in his since then, his weekends have But there’s still plenty of grandfather’s carpentry shop belonged to Mathews. work to be done. Matheny Matheny said it got harder said he plans to gut a small SEE NEW LIFE, PAGE 7C and harder to return to his current home in Richmond after his weekend trips, and he kept noticing an old house near Hudgins for sale and Save Some thinking, “If I could just find a place to lay my head down at night…” Scratch On June 19 a year ago, Ma- theny bought the house, and he’s spent every weekend since then making it that on Flea & place. It hasn’t been an easy pro- cess. Most of the work he’s Tick Control done so far has been demoli- For details about our in-home services and rates, tion—tearing out old carpet- please call or visit us online. ing and paneling, knocking out walls, and getting rid of Delivering quality flea and tick control in your pet’s old kitchen cabinets. He’s be- comfort zone. come friendly with the crew Termite and Moisture Control at the transfer station, who he said have been amazing. And the house, which he Noble Pest Control Inc. thinks could date to the late Free Inspections 1800s, with a 1970s rear addi- tion, is slowly coming along. P.O. Box 365 804-725-7108/804-695-0456 Two newly-installed sets Grimstead, Virginia 23064 [email protected] www.noblepestcontrol.net

Hudgins Design Collaborative ...finding ways to create the warmth of home using sustainable construction methods. Providing architectural services in Eastern Virginia, Richmond, SHERRY HAMILTON / GAZETTE-JOURNAL Northern Virginia and North Carolina since 1999 William Matheny of Richmond has spent every weekend over the past year renovating an old home he bought at Hudgins, hoping to make Mathews his full-time home. He often brings family with him, including his six-year-old daughter Olivia. On www.hudginsarchitects.com the porch are his grandparents, Pat and Shelby Jarvis of Colonial Heights, and his girlfriend, Amanda Corbelli. (804) 725-2066

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Y M C K THURSDAY JULY 2, 2020 GLOUCESTER-MATHEWS GAZETTE-JOURNAL 7C

SHERRY HAMILTON / GAZETTE-JOURNAL The kitchen in the Matheny house has been gutted and new drywall installed. Owner William Matheny plans to build cabinets “the old-fashioned way,” but wants the kitchen overall to have a modern, industrial look. He hopes to be able to cook Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner there this year.

W.T. Hurst Lawn Care & Landscaping Mowing - Tractor Work SHERRY HAMILTON / GAZETTE-JOURNAL Brush and Leaf Removal - Mulching - Bush Hogging William Matheny has worked on some aspect of every room of the Mathews home he’s renovating. The bathroom, shown in photo at left, has a new toilet and shower, and new laminate flooring is being installed there and throughout the downstairs hallway. Upstairs, the brightly-lit landing at right will be given a going-over, with Licensed Insured the original pine flooring refinished and new trimwork installed throughout. Cell: 804-824-0101 Taming Weeds and Meeting All Your Lawn Care Needs

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NEW LIFE: For an old Mathews home

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7C) nal pine floors in the upstairs Mathews finding markets for bedrooms and keep much of local seafood that he hopes that area original. But he said to grow into a full-time career. late-night trips downstairs to He said he now considers the bathroom are a killer, and himself a Mathews resident, he plans to install a bathroom and his goal is to move here upstairs, as well. full-time. But to do that, he Matheny said he wants said, he needs a comfortable eventually to clear a way place to live. through the woods to the “I need to be able to cook creek on the back of the 7.7- a meal, watch TV, and re- acre property, and he wants lax without feeling I have to to clean up an old family work on something,” he said. graveyard where the oldest “I want to feel like I’m buy- grave has a 1790 birthdate, ing groceries more than stuff the newest 1950. He said his from Lowe’s.” family has long-ago roots in He’s not quite there yet, but Mathews, as well. Richard E. he said he expects to be at Jarvis, his great-grandfather that place by the end of the many times over, was a mem- summer. ber of Kingston Parish in the “I would like to spend 1600s. Thanksgiving and Christmas A director of hospital sup- here,” Matheny said. “My ply chains in Richmond, the dream is for everyone to have SHERRY HAMILTON / GAZETTE-JOURNAL 35-year-old Matheny has a place to enjoy.” William Matheny plans to turn the third-floor attic space into a playroom for his daughter. Wall-to-wall cabinets and a window seat will cover the HVAC ductwork. started a small business in

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Y M C K THURSDAY JULY 2, 2020 GLOUCESTER-MATHEWS GAZETTE-JOURNAL 9C

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Introductory Rate of % HOME EQUITY APR* 2.75for the first 12 months LINE OF CREDIT As low as % APR* CALL TODAY 3.25variable thereafter

MELANY SLAUGHTER / GAZETTE-JOURNAL Vanessa West began building her butterfly garden in 2015 with a friend’s encouragement. She calls it a sanctuary for butterflies. CONSOLIDATE MAKE LARGE M DEBT PURCHASES

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*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Introductory interest rate of 2.75% APR for the first 12 months is effective June 15, 2020 and reflects the current minimum rate offered. The rate may be adjusted based on individual credit standing, debt ratio, and amount of equity in MELANY SLAUGHTER / GAZETTE-JOURNAL property. Not all borrowers will qualify for the lowest rate. After the first 12 months, the rate Vibrant marigolds line West’s garden to help attract butterflies and keep out will be as low as Prime Rate plus a margin depending on the member's credit standing, debt ratio and amount of equity in the property at the time the Home Equity Line of Credit unwanted pests. (HELOC) was originated. Current rates (as of 6/15/2020) range from 3.25% to 18.00% APR. The minimum rate after the first 12-month promotional period is based on the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal on the first day of the month preceding the rate change date (December 1, March 1, June 1, and September 1).The interest rate on HELOCs is reviewed quarterly and is subject to change the first day of January, April, July and October. The maximum interest rate allowed under the plan is 18.00% APR. The following closing costs on a new HELOC will be waived if the outstanding balance is at least $5,000 for the first year: application fee, flood certificate, closing document preparation, and Credit Line Deed of Trust recording fees. In the event that the HELOC balance falls below MELANY SLAUGHTER / GAZETTE-JOURNAL $5000.00 in the first year, the credit union would require the member to pay all waived West installed 50 solar lights in her garden to illuminate it at night. closing costs. Property insurance is required. A $25,000.00 initial draw is required. Membership eligibility required. A Prime Share Account (membership) with a minimum deposit is required upon loan approval. Additional fees, terms and conditions may apply to this offer. Offer is subject to change or end MELANY SLAUGHTER / GAZETTE-JOURNAL without notice. For further details, please contact a Mortgage Specialist. A monarch butterfly has landed in West’s garden. One of West’s trinkets features an image of Mickey Mouse and reads “Welcome to This credit union is insured by the National Credit Union Administration. my little garden.” Gloucester resident creates butterfly sanctuary in backyard BY MELANY SLAUGHTER

Vanessa West of Hayes began building her backyard butterfly garden five years ago. Her friend, Kaleela Thompson, encouraged her to build the garden to be a sanctuary for butterflies and to help preserve the monarch butterfly. West has planted pink, yellow and white milkweed for monarch butterflies, parsley for black swallowtails and pawpaw trees for her favorite butterfly, the zebra swallowtail. She grows these specific plants in her garden because they are the respective butterflies’ host plants. A butterfly’s host plant is the only plant where it will lay its eggs. The beginning of West’s garden. SEE BUTTERFLY GARDEN, PAGE 10C

MELANY SLAUGHTER / GAZETTE-JOURNAL A music box disguised as a watering can rests in the butterfly garden.

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BUTTERFLY GARDEN (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9C)

The plants in her garden has bought from thrift stores are designed to attract only over the years and has also butterflies. There is nothing in installed 50 solar lights in The pawpaw tree is the her garden that would attract her garden to illuminate it at host plant for the zebra other animals, including night. She also likes to play swallowtail, West’s hummingbirds and bees. music in her garden. favorite butterfly. West She has also planted lamb’s “Music is good for the soul,” has 20 pawpaw trees in ear, marigolds and two said West. “Music is a healer her garden. butterfly bushes—purple and for the world. Everybody white—to attract butterflies loves music. Everybody.” to her garden. West said She describes her garden as that her garden is like a her “dollhouse outside.” buffet specially designed for “Butterflies are one of God’s butterflies. sweetest creatures,” said West has decorated her West. garden with trinkets that she

MELANY SLAUGHTER / GAZETTE-JOURNAL

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